PSG youngster Fode Ballo-Toure could be on his way to England – but Aston Villa appear to have a better chance than Bristol City.
Aston Villa certainly face a challenge if they want to lure PSG youngster Fode Ballo-Toure to the Midlands in the summer. According to Made in Foot, there is no shortage of Premier League interest in the out-of-contract 20-year-old with Tottenham, Liverpool, West Ham and Everton all tracking his progress.
Though the left-back, who has shot to fame following a series of stand-out displays in the UEFA Youth League this season, would represent a potentially ideal replacement for the out-of-form Jordan Amavi (above) should he depart in the summer.
Furthermore, the fact he is available on a free means Villa would not be forced to dip into owner Tony Xia’s cash reserves again after spending around £70 million this season alone.
However, Villa can take some solace in knowing that at least one of the clubs reported to be interested in Ballo-Toure have next to no chance of signing him in the summer.
The Bristol Post reported that Lee Johnson’s Bristol City were attempting an ambitious approach for the pacey full-back with The Robins struggling for options on the defensive flanks this season.
However, according to Somerset Live, Ballo-Toure’s wage demands mean he is very unlikely to make the move to Ashton Gate regardless of the fact that City are looking good to retain their Championship status this season.
It’s fair to say Villa, bankrolled by Xia, would not have the same concerns. The Birmingham Mail reported that Conor Hourihane quadrupled his wages when signing from Barnsley in January so Ballo-Toure can at least expect to be well paid if he chooses Villa.
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